The Message Box
Communicating Your Science Effectively
https://www.compassscicomm.org/the-message-box-workbook
Principles of Science Communication
Know Your Audience
Frame Your Message
Lead With Results
Avoid Jargon
Know Your Audience
Frame Your Message
Lead With Results
Avoid Jargon
The Message Box
The Message Box
Know Your Audience
Section 1: The Issue
Describes the overarching issue or topic: Big Picture
Broad enough to cover key points
Specific enough to set up what's to come
Concise and clear
“Frames” the rest of the message box
Section 2: The Problem
The part of the broader issue that your work is addressing
Builds upon your work and expert knowledge
Try to focus on one problem per audience
Often the
Problem
is your research question
This section sets you up for
So What
Section 3: The "So What?"
This is the crux of the message box
Why should you audience care?
What about your research is important for them to know?
Whay are you talking to them about it?
Section 4: The Solution
Outlines the options for solving the
Problem
Can your audience influence or act upon this?
There may be multiple solutions
Make sure your
Solution
relates back to the
Problem
. Edit one or both as needed
Section 5: The Benefit
What are the benefits of addressing the
Problem
?
What good things come from implementing your
Solution
?
Make sure it connects with you
So What
Benefits
and
So What
may be similar
Make Your Message Memorable
Support your message with data
Limit the use of numbers and statistics
Use specific examples
Compare numbers to concepts, help people relate
Don't use jargon
Lead with what you know
The Message Box